The Illinois Tollway has announced that extensive lane closures and traffic reconfigurations will commence this week on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88). These adjustments, set to last through the summer, are necessary to facilitate repair work on the bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR).
Electronic message boards and construction signage will be placed along the affected areas well in advance to ensure drivers are informed. The Illinois Tollway invites drivers to consult its Daily Construction Alert for real-time updates on closures and changes.
According to the Tollway, these repair schedules are contingent on weather conditions.
Traffic Reconfigurations and Closures
Starting the week of April 28, traffic between Illinois Route 23 and the DeKalb Oasis will be redirected to the eastbound lanes, with flows restricted to a single lane heading in either direction. This traffic pattern will stay in place until work on the westbound side is completed.
Once repairs on the westbound lanes are finalized, the configuration will reverse. All vehicles will shift to the westbound lanes, with traffic still limited to a single lane per direction. This setup is expected to persist through late fall as work progresses on the eastbound side of the bridge.
The lane reductions and shifts are designed to ensure safe traffic flow while providing adequate space for comprehensive bridge repairs. The planned updates will encompass the following:
- Deck and parapet renovations
- Abutment rehabilitation
- Approach slab improvements
- Joint repairs
- Pavement and shoulder restorations
Coordination with Local Partners
The Illinois Tollway highlighted its ongoing collaboration with Union Pacific Railroad, as well as local fire and police departments, to mitigate disruption and ensure safety during construction.
Broader 2025 Improvements Across I-88
The bridge repairs are part of a larger set of upgrades planned for I-88 in 2025. These include corridor-wide pavement improvements near the Union Pacific Railroad in DeKalb and the completion of the York Road Bridge reconstruction in Oak Brook. The York Road project involves enhancing ramps that connect eastbound I-88 to southbound I-294 and northbound I-294 to westbound I-88.
All these upgrades are a segment of the Move Illinois program, the Illinois Tollway’s ambitious 15-year, $14 billion capital initiative to modernize infrastructure and improve the driving experience statewide.
For more updates and travel adjustments, check the Illinois Tollway alerts. Planning your route ahead will ensure a safer and stress-free commute during this essential construction period.
Source: The Trucker
